John 6:51
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is my flesh, which I will give, etc. - Our Lord explains his meaning more fully, in these words, than he had done before. Having spoken so much of the bread which feeds and nourishes the soul, and preserves from death, the attention of his hearers was fixed upon his words, which to them appeared inexplicable; and they desired to know what their meaning was. He then told them that the bread meant his flesh, (his life), which he was about to give up; to save the life of the world. Here our Lord plainly declares that his death was to be a vicarious sacrifice and atonement for the sin of the world; and that, as no human life could be preserved unless there was bread (proper nourishment) received, so no soul could be saved but by the merit of his death. Reader, remember this: it is one of the weightiest, and one of the truest and most important sayings in the book of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I am, &c.--Understand, it is of MYSELF I now speak as the Bread from heaven; of MEif a man eat he shall live for ever; and "THE BREAD WHICH I WILL GIVE IS MY FLESH, WHICH I WILL GIVE FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD." Here, for the first time in this high discourse, our Lord explicitly introduces His sacrificial death--for only rationalists can doubt this not only as that which constitutes Him the Bread of life to men, but as THAT very element IN HIM WHICH POSSESSES THE LIFE-GIVING VIRTUE.--"From this time we hear no more (in this discourse) of "Bread"; this figure is dropped, and the reality takes its place" [STIER]. The words "I will give" may be compared with the words of institution at the Supper, "This is My body which is given for you" (Luk 22:19), or in Paul's report of it, "broken for you" (Co1 11:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then Jesus said unto them,.... The Jews, who were litigating this point among themselves: verily, verily, I say unto you; or you may assure yourselves of the truth of what follows, except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you: by "the son of man", Christ means himself; under which title he often speaks of himself; because it was a title of the Messiah under the Old Testament; and was expressive of the truth of his human nature, though as attended with weakness and infirmities. The "flesh" and "blood" of Christ do not design those distinct parts of his body; much less as separate from each other; nor the whole body of Christ, but his whole human nature; or Christ, as having united a perfect human nature to him, in order to shed his blood for the remission of sin, and to offer up his soul and body a sacrifice for it: and the eating of these is not to be understood of a corporeal eating of them, as the Capernaites understood them; and since them the Papists, who affirm, that the bread and wine in the Lord's supper are transubstantiated into the very body and blood of Christ, and so eaten: but this is not to be understood of eating and drinking in the Lord's supper, which, as yet, was not instituted; and some, without participating of this, have spiritual life in them now, and will enjoy eternal life hereafter; and all that partake of that ordinance have not the one, nor shall have the other: and besides, having a principle of spiritual life in the soul, is previously necessary to a right eating of the supper of the Lord. These words, understood in this sense, once introduced infants to the Lord's supper; as misinterpretation of Joh 3:5 brought in the baptism of them. But the words design a spiritual eating of Christ by faith. To eat the flesh, and drink the blood of Christ, is to believe that Christ is come in the flesh, and is truly and really man; that his flesh is given for the life of his people, and his blood is shed for their sins, and this with some view and application to themselves: it is to partake of, and enjoy the several blessings of grace procured by him, such as redemption, pardon, peace, justification, &c. and such a feeding upon him as is attended with growth in grace, and in the knowledge of him, and is daily to be repeated, as our corporeal food is, otherwise persons have no life in them: without this there, is no evidence of life in them; not such live as feed on sinful pleasures, or on their own righteousness; only such that believe in Christ are living souls; and without this there is nothing to support life; everything else that a man eats tends to death; but this is what will maintain and preserve a spiritual life; and without this there is no just expectation of eternal life; but where there is this, there is good reason to expect it, and such shall enjoy it: some copies and versions read, "ye shall not have life in you"; eternal life. Now, though the acts of eating and drinking do not give the right to eternal life, but the flesh, blood, and righteousness of Christ, which faith lays hold, and feeds upon; yet it is by faith the right is claimed; and between these acts of faith, and eternal life, there is an inseparable connection.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:51 this bread . . . is my flesh: The gift that brings life is now unveiled. On the cross, Jesus offered his flesh for the life of the world.
John 6:51
Jesus the Bread of Life
50This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die.51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(John) the Total Depravity of Man
By Willie Mullan1.7K1:09:33Total Depravity Of ManJHN 6:45JHN 6:51JHN 6:68JHN 6:70In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of total depravity and the responsibility of individuals. He explains that man's mind is made up of different subtleties, including imagination and memory. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus recognizes the total depravity of man's nature. He also highlights the power of Jesus, particularly in relation to the Father's will to raise up those who believe in him on the last day. The preacher concludes by emphasizing that when individuals are given over to Christ, their entire being, body, soul, and spirit, is under his control and responsibility.
Doctrine of Election & Man's Free Will
By Rolfe Barnard1.5K45:02JHN 5:39JHN 6:44JHN 6:47JHN 6:51JHN 6:63JHN 6:66In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's truth in order to be drawn to Christ. He explains that God draws men to His Son by becoming their teacher and bringing them face to face with the truth about Jesus. The preacher uses examples from Acts 16 to illustrate how different individuals were brought to God in different ways, such as Lydia, who became a listener and attended to the word of God. The sermon also mentions the conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, highlighting the power they had in crucifying Him.
Toys and Playthings of the Religious Babyhouse
By J.C. Philpot1.2K02:31Audio BooksPSA 44:7EZK 34:15JHN 6:51In this sermon transcript titled "Toys and Playthings of the Religious Baby House," J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of feeding the soul with God's appointed food. He compares hungry children who cannot be satisfied with mere playthings to hungry souls in need of true spiritual nourishment. Philpot asserts that religious rituals, ceremonies, and external displays cannot satisfy the deep hunger for God. Instead, he emphasizes that Christ, the bread of life, is the only true sustenance for the believing soul, referencing passages from Ezekiel, Psalms, and John. The sermon encourages listeners to seek the true nourishment of their souls in Christ alone.
My Missionary Roots in Africa
By Stephen Olford1.2K30:49TestimonyEXO 16:4MAT 6:33JHN 6:32JHN 6:41JHN 6:47JHN 6:51JHN 6:58In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences that highlight the power of God and the importance of having a relationship with Jesus Christ. He recounts a story where a man who threatened him with a gun died suddenly after the speaker prayed to God for protection. This incident led to the conversion of many people in the community. The speaker also shares a childhood experience where he narrowly escaped death and realized the need to accept Jesus as his Savior. He emphasizes the importance of having a personal encounter with Jesus and invites others to do the same.
Two Kinds of Bread
By Jim Cymbala62421:24Christian LifeJHN 6:26JHN 6:35JHN 6:47JHN 6:51JHN 6:66In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story in John 6 where Jesus feeds the crowd with loaves of bread. He emphasizes that the people were more interested in the physical food they received rather than understanding the spiritual significance of Jesus' actions. Jesus then tells them to seek food that endures to eternal life, which is found in believing in him. The preacher highlights that Jesus offers eternal life and satisfaction that worldly possessions cannot provide, urging the audience to focus on the spiritual rather than the material.
The Living Bread
By George Warnock1611:31:34Christian LifeAMO 9:13ZEC 4:6MAT 6:28MAT 13:3JHN 6:11JHN 6:51In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being united as one body in Christ. He uses the analogy of fire to describe different aspects of our relationship with God, emphasizing the need to be fully enveloped in His presence. The speaker then shifts to the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with five barley loaves and two fishes, highlighting the disciples' initial doubt and the lad's small offering. Ultimately, the message emphasizes the importance of being willing to be broken and used by God to meet the needs of others, just as Jesus broke the bread to feed the hungry crowd.
The Bread of Heaven
By Mariano Di Gangi1429:56Faith in ChristSpiritual NourishmentJesusEXO 16:4MAT 4:4JHN 3:16JHN 6:12JHN 6:27JHN 6:35JHN 6:40JHN 6:51JHN 6:54ROM 8:32Mariano Di Gangi preaches on 'The Bread of Heaven,' emphasizing that Jesus is essential for spiritual nourishment, likening Him to bread that sustains life. He recounts the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, illustrating how Jesus provides not just physical sustenance but also the deeper spiritual nourishment that humanity craves. Di Gangi explains that while people often seek material blessings, true fulfillment comes from recognizing Jesus as the bread of life, the bread of God, and the bread of heaven. He stresses the importance of faith in receiving this nourishment, urging believers to come to Christ and partake in His life-giving essence. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace Jesus fully, as He alone satisfies the deepest needs of the human heart.
Body of Christ Gives Life
By St. Cyril of Alexandria0JHN 6:51JHN 10:17EPH 5:21TI 2:5HEB 2:14St. Cyril of Alexandria preaches about the sacrificial death of Christ, emphasizing how Jesus, by becoming human, conquered death and redeemed all of humanity. Through Christ's offering of Himself as a spotless sacrifice, He destroyed the power of the devil and death, giving life to all who believe in Him. By consecrating Himself to God on the cross, Christ's body became the channel through which life flows to us, expelling death and corruption from those who receive Him.
The True God and Eternal Life"
By H.J. Vine0JHN 3:36JHN 6:51JHN 14:6JHN 17:3ACT 3:151CO 2:14TIT 1:21JN 2:231JN 5:121JN 5:20H.J. Vine preaches about the profound subjects of 'The true God' and 'Eternal life,' emphasizing that man's intellectual efforts are insufficient to fully understand them due to sin. He highlights that the only way to know these important matters is through God's revelation, not human attainment, and that salvation, forgiveness, and the gift of the Spirit enable us to grasp God's wisdom and grace. Vine underscores that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, is the key to knowing the true God and eternal life, and that through Him, believers have the high privilege of knowing the Father.
The Table of the Bread of the Presence
By Henry Law0EXO 25:30LEV 24:6PSA 34:8JHN 6:35JHN 6:51REV 3:20Henry Law preaches about the significance of the special Bread of the Presence, symbolizing Christ as the ultimate source of nourishment for our souls. The Bread represents the pure perfection of Christ's manhood, free from sin, and His sacrificial work on the cross. The Bread of the Presence, placed before God, signifies Christ's eternal presence and acceptance in the Father's eyes, bringing delight and satisfaction to God. The twelve loaves on the table symbolize the unity of the Church in Christ, where believers of all degrees of faith are equally cherished and represented before God.
John's Gospel Lonsdale Square
By John Nelson Darby0FaithEternal LifeISA 32:15LUK 15:28JHN 3:24JHN 4:24JHN 5:21JHN 6:51JHN 7:37JHN 8:24JHN 10:28JHN 11:25John Nelson Darby explores the themes of righteousness and the nature of faith in his sermon on John's Gospel, emphasizing that the elder son in Luke 15, despite his adherence to righteousness, never entered the house. He highlights the importance of understanding divine truths through experience rather than mere definitions, and critiques the reliance on miracles for faith. Darby discusses the progression of Christ's ministry in the Gospel of John, noting the rejection of His words and works, and the significance of eternal life as central to His message. He also addresses the nature of rewards for believers and the transformative power of Christ in the lives of His followers.
The Storehouses Opened
By Henry Law0GEN 41:56PSA 34:8ISA 55:1MAT 11:28JHN 1:16JHN 6:35JHN 6:51COL 2:9JAS 4:8REV 3:20Henry Law preaches on the story of Joseph in Genesis, highlighting the various emotions and experiences depicted in Joseph's life that resonate with believers of all ages. He emphasizes the importance of finding spiritual blessings in Joseph's narrative, pointing out how every aspect of Joseph's journey reflects Jesus and His redemptive work. Law urges listeners to see Jesus in Joseph's story, particularly focusing on the bounty and mercy displayed by Joseph as a reflection of the abundance of grace found in Jesus. He challenges the audience to flee to Jesus, the ultimate source of relief and sustenance for the starving soul, and warns against seeking spiritual nourishment in empty rituals, false signs, or outward displays of religiosity.
The Good Shepherd and His Work
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 51:17PSA 103:1PRO 30:8ISA 57:15ISA 66:2EZK 34:16EZK 34:22HOS 11:4JHN 6:51HEB 4:9J.C. Philpot preaches about the heavy charges brought against the false shepherds of Israel, highlighting their sins of commission and omission, including greediness, selfishness, cruelty, and violence. The consequences of these sins led to the scattering of the sheep, making them easy prey for wild animals. However, God promises to search for His lost sheep, bring them back, bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak. He also denounces the fat and strong, warning of destruction for those who are self-sufficient and unrepentant, feeding them with judgment by leaving them in their delusions.
Emblems From the Story of Creation
By A.B. Simpson0New Creation in ChristCreationGEN 1:26SNG 4:12JHN 6:51ROM 5:192CO 5:17EPH 2:10COL 3:10HEB 4:91PE 2:9REV 21:1A.B. Simpson explores the profound spiritual meanings embedded in the story of creation, emphasizing that while the Scriptures recount historical events, they also convey deeper truths about the new creation in Christ. He illustrates how the creation narrative parallels the spiritual transformation of believers, highlighting themes of light, order, and the divine image in humanity. Simpson draws connections between the creation of man and woman, emphasizing their roles and the relationship between Christ and the Church. He concludes with reflections on the Sabbath as a symbol of spiritual rest and the garden as a representation of paradise restored, ultimately pointing to Christ as the source of life and renewal.
God's Great Goodness and Love Is Shown to Man in This Sacrament
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 34:18JHN 6:511CO 11:27HEB 13:151PE 1:18Thomas a Kempis preaches about the humility and reverence required when approaching the Lord in Communion, acknowledging our unworthiness and praising God's mercy and love. He emphasizes the great gift of receiving the Body of Christ in the Eucharist, highlighting the profound mystery and the need for constant preparation and reflection on the work of redemption. Kempis marvels at the condescension of God to dwell in us through the Sacrament, urging believers to keep their hearts and bodies clean to partake in this everlasting memorial with joy and thanksgiving.
The Bread of Life
By J.C. Ryle0SalvationGraceJHN 6:44JHN 6:51ROM 3:23EPH 2:8J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound truths found in John 6, where Jesus declares Himself as the 'living bread' that grants eternal life. He explains that many struggle to accept Christ due to His humble origins, and that true belief requires the drawing grace of God, as human nature is inherently resistant to faith. Ryle highlights the necessity of acknowledging one's own corruption and the need for divine grace to come to Christ, stressing that while man is morally unable to believe without God's intervention, he remains responsible for his own soul. Ultimately, Ryle underscores that Christ's sacrificial death offers redemption for all mankind, inviting everyone to partake in the eternal life He provides.
The True Starting Point of Enquiry
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0MAT 16:21JHN 6:511CO 2:131CO 11:26W.H. Griffith Thomas preaches on the significance of the Lord Jesus Christ's death and His promised return, emphasizing how these two events are intricately linked and form the foundation of Christian faith and hope. He highlights the sad reality of how the Lord's Supper, meant to be a symbol of love, unity, and hope, has been marred by controversy and division within the Church over the centuries. Thomas urges a return to the original institution of the Lord's Supper as outlined in the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of understanding its true meaning and adhering to it faithfully to foster unity and peace within the Church.
We Have Fellowship
By G.W. North0CommunionFellowshipMAT 26:26JHN 6:51JHN 15:12ACT 2:42ROM 12:51CO 10:161CO 11:26HEB 10:241PE 2:91JN 1:3G.W. North emphasizes the profound significance of Communion as a representation of both Christ's sacrifice and the Church's unity. He explains that through the act of breaking bread, believers proclaim their shared identity as a broken yet whole body, reflecting on Christ's death and their own spiritual journey. North highlights the teachings of Peter and John, illustrating that true fellowship with one another stems from fellowship with the Father and the Son. The sermon underscores that Communion is not only a remembrance but also the foundation of the priesthood and a central theme in the New Testament. Ultimately, it calls believers to walk in the light to maintain their communion with God and each other.
Epistle 31
By George Fox0JHN 6:511CO 10:161CO 12:13PHP 2:3JAS 4:8George Fox emphasizes the importance of unity in the spirit, being baptized into one body through the eternal bread of life and communion with the blood of Jesus Christ. He urges the congregation to stay pure in their desires, allowing for clear discernment between the earthly and the spiritual. By humbling themselves and eagerly awaiting the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ within them, they can experience God's power and be transformed.
The Common Preciousness
By G.W. North0CommunionSpiritual UnionLUK 22:19JHN 6:511CO 10:16G.W. North emphasizes the profound meaning of communion as a 'common union' that transcends mere sharing, highlighting its preciousness as a deliberate act of will that makes the spiritual nourishment of Christ's body and blood accessible to all believers. He explains that while communion elements may seem simple, they symbolize the deep and necessary connection between Christ and His followers, inviting them to partake in His life. This act of communion is not just a ritual but a purposeful sharing that requires active participation from believers to fully experience the grace and presence of Jesus.
Except It Die
By G.W. North0SacrificeTransformationISA 53:5MAT 26:26JHN 6:51JHN 12:24JHN 15:5ROM 6:41CO 11:23GAL 2:20HEB 9:221PE 1:18G.W. North emphasizes the profound transformation that occurs in the process of making bread and wine, illustrating that just as a grain of wheat must die to produce bread, so too must we undergo a process of change and sacrifice to experience spiritual nourishment. He draws parallels between the stages of grain becoming bread and grapes becoming wine, highlighting the necessity of death and transformation in both processes. North points out that these elements, bread and wine, serve as powerful symbols of Christ's sacrifice, representing life laid down and the love that orchestrates our spiritual journey. The sermon invites listeners to appreciate the depth of meaning behind these simple elements and their connection to the Christian faith.
Words of Spirit and Life
By H.J. Vine0PRO 8:35PRO 13:14PRO 16:22JHN 4:14JHN 6:27JHN 6:35JHN 6:51JHN 6:63JHN 7:38ROM 5:21H.J. Vine preaches on the profound impact of Jesus' words as spirit and life, emphasizing the necessity of His death for eternal life. Despite the miracles, many sought Jesus for physical sustenance, not realizing the spiritual depth of His teachings. Those who truly believe in Christ recognize the need for His sacrifice to receive eternal life, contrasting it with the perishable food of the world. Through Christ's death, believers find righteousness, life, and the promise of reigning in eternal life.
With All Her Heart the Devout Soul Should Desire Union With Christ in the Sacrament
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 16:11PSA 27:8PSA 73:28JHN 6:511CO 10:16Thomas a Kempis preaches about the deep desire to be completely united with Christ, to withdraw the heart from all created things, and to relish the celestial and eternal through Holy Communion. He expresses the longing to be absorbed by Christ, with self forgotten, and to experience true peace and rest in Him. Kempis highlights the unique privilege of having God near through the Eucharist, feeding His children with heavenly bread and offering His glorious Flesh to devout souls, showcasing God's unparalleled love and grace towards humanity.
We ..... Being Many ..... One Bread
By G.W. North0CommunionUnity in ChristMAT 26:26MRK 14:22LUK 22:19JHN 6:51ACT 2:42ROM 12:51CO 10:171CO 11:24EPH 4:4COL 1:18G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the breaking of bread as a representation of Christ's body, which He broke for humanity. He highlights that Jesus instructed His disciples to remember Him through this act, and Paul further elaborates that as many individuals partake in this communion, they become one body in Christ. This unity in the act of communion symbolizes the sacrificial nature of their faith, reminding believers that they are called to embody Christ's love and sacrifice in their lives. The sermon underscores the importance of community and shared faith in the practice of communion, reflecting on how believers can perpetuate Christ's sacrifice through their actions.
Discern the Body
By G.W. North0Church RelationshipsSpiritual CommunionLUK 22:19JHN 6:51ROM 12:41CO 11:3EPH 4:15COL 1:18HEB 10:241PE 2:5G.W. North emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships within the Church, particularly the Headship of Christ and the spiritual communion among believers. He highlights the issues faced by the Corinthian church, specifically their improper conduct during the Lord's Supper, which should be a time of remembrance and spiritual nourishment. North urges believers to discern the Lord's Body, recognizing the significance of the bread and wine as symbols of Christ's sacrifice. He calls for self-judgment and spiritual renewal, reminding the church that true spirituality is rooted in personal relationship with Christ rather than merely in spiritual gifts. Ultimately, the focus should be on the person of Christ and the health of the body of believers.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Is my flesh, which I will give, etc. - Our Lord explains his meaning more fully, in these words, than he had done before. Having spoken so much of the bread which feeds and nourishes the soul, and preserves from death, the attention of his hearers was fixed upon his words, which to them appeared inexplicable; and they desired to know what their meaning was. He then told them that the bread meant his flesh, (his life), which he was about to give up; to save the life of the world. Here our Lord plainly declares that his death was to be a vicarious sacrifice and atonement for the sin of the world; and that, as no human life could be preserved unless there was bread (proper nourishment) received, so no soul could be saved but by the merit of his death. Reader, remember this: it is one of the weightiest, and one of the truest and most important sayings in the book of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I am, &c.--Understand, it is of MYSELF I now speak as the Bread from heaven; of MEif a man eat he shall live for ever; and "THE BREAD WHICH I WILL GIVE IS MY FLESH, WHICH I WILL GIVE FOR THE LIFE OF THE WORLD." Here, for the first time in this high discourse, our Lord explicitly introduces His sacrificial death--for only rationalists can doubt this not only as that which constitutes Him the Bread of life to men, but as THAT very element IN HIM WHICH POSSESSES THE LIFE-GIVING VIRTUE.--"From this time we hear no more (in this discourse) of "Bread"; this figure is dropped, and the reality takes its place" [STIER]. The words "I will give" may be compared with the words of institution at the Supper, "This is My body which is given for you" (Luk 22:19), or in Paul's report of it, "broken for you" (Co1 11:24).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then Jesus said unto them,.... The Jews, who were litigating this point among themselves: verily, verily, I say unto you; or you may assure yourselves of the truth of what follows, except ye eat the flesh of the son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you: by "the son of man", Christ means himself; under which title he often speaks of himself; because it was a title of the Messiah under the Old Testament; and was expressive of the truth of his human nature, though as attended with weakness and infirmities. The "flesh" and "blood" of Christ do not design those distinct parts of his body; much less as separate from each other; nor the whole body of Christ, but his whole human nature; or Christ, as having united a perfect human nature to him, in order to shed his blood for the remission of sin, and to offer up his soul and body a sacrifice for it: and the eating of these is not to be understood of a corporeal eating of them, as the Capernaites understood them; and since them the Papists, who affirm, that the bread and wine in the Lord's supper are transubstantiated into the very body and blood of Christ, and so eaten: but this is not to be understood of eating and drinking in the Lord's supper, which, as yet, was not instituted; and some, without participating of this, have spiritual life in them now, and will enjoy eternal life hereafter; and all that partake of that ordinance have not the one, nor shall have the other: and besides, having a principle of spiritual life in the soul, is previously necessary to a right eating of the supper of the Lord. These words, understood in this sense, once introduced infants to the Lord's supper; as misinterpretation of Joh 3:5 brought in the baptism of them. But the words design a spiritual eating of Christ by faith. To eat the flesh, and drink the blood of Christ, is to believe that Christ is come in the flesh, and is truly and really man; that his flesh is given for the life of his people, and his blood is shed for their sins, and this with some view and application to themselves: it is to partake of, and enjoy the several blessings of grace procured by him, such as redemption, pardon, peace, justification, &c. and such a feeding upon him as is attended with growth in grace, and in the knowledge of him, and is daily to be repeated, as our corporeal food is, otherwise persons have no life in them: without this there, is no evidence of life in them; not such live as feed on sinful pleasures, or on their own righteousness; only such that believe in Christ are living souls; and without this there is nothing to support life; everything else that a man eats tends to death; but this is what will maintain and preserve a spiritual life; and without this there is no just expectation of eternal life; but where there is this, there is good reason to expect it, and such shall enjoy it: some copies and versions read, "ye shall not have life in you"; eternal life. Now, though the acts of eating and drinking do not give the right to eternal life, but the flesh, blood, and righteousness of Christ, which faith lays hold, and feeds upon; yet it is by faith the right is claimed; and between these acts of faith, and eternal life, there is an inseparable connection.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:51 this bread . . . is my flesh: The gift that brings life is now unveiled. On the cross, Jesus offered his flesh for the life of the world.